THE JERSEY Squash & Racketball Club will be thriving this weekend, as 180 players will be gracing the courts over the weekend for the ARC Jersey Racketball Festival.
“We have 180 players taking part over the weekend, with 70 of those being from Jersey – so a big local turnout,” said Event Organiser Liz Casely.
“All abilities and standards will be on show throughout the festival, as it goes up from beginners, all the way to some of the UK’s finest players. Meanwhile, there’s going to be wall-to-wall entertainment, an open bar and loads of great food from outside caterers.
“Expect thrilling – but fun – racketball with a big festival spirit – of course everyone wants to win, but there’s a great collaborative and festive spirit. It really is a big highlight for the club as it’s absolutely thriving all weekend, and it really is a thrill to bring over all these players and show them just how great Jersey is.”
Play commences this evening with a bang, as action-packed matches will entertain the crowds from 5.30pm at the club, while a BBQ and toasties – as well as the open Boasters Bar – will only add to the entertainment.
There won’t be any lulls at all, as a non-stop slate of fixtures will take place from 9am tomorrow at both Les Quennevais and back at the club. There will be a BBQ and toasties once again between 11am – 4pm, an included meal from 5.30pm – 7.30pm and live music with “The Impression” from 7pm.
Saturday is “Crunch Day”, with a full schedule of matches between 9am – 6pm at the club, Les Quennevais and Victoria College’s courts. There’ll be a special Boat Race at 6.30pm, before they pick up the entertainment for all once again with DJ “El Presidente” running from 7pm – late.
Finally, Sunday’s Finals Day will exhibit the very best of the festival, with finals taking place between 9am – 1pm. A prize giving will follow the finals’ conclusion, before music by “Rack Pack”, featuring Macy.
Division 1 will contain some extraordinary talent, as some of Jersey and the UK’s finest players are all set to square off.
Jersey’s number one side, “Crevetski”, head into the tournament with strong odds, having taken top spot for the past few years. Their ranks hold extraordinary talent, including multiple-time Island champion Antony Harkin, Scott Gautier, Ian Furness, Charlie Journeaux and Stuart Conroy.
Another victory won’t be easy however, “Amber’s Angels” are coming in looking to upset the home side, holding several of the nation’s top racketball talent in Amber Marshall, Billy Jones, Ted and Sam Jeal. “Lads, Dads and Grandads” will also be fierce contenders, with the current UK Over-50 champion Steve Smith wearing their colours.
Meanwhile, I’ll be playing for “Vanguards” in Division 5, heading into my first-ever racketball festival appearance with loads of confidence as I’m riding a bot of a win-streak right now – so, hopefully that will continue.
Steve McMahon, Chief Executive of the event’s lead sponsor, ARC, said: “The Jersey Racketball Festival is an established event on the UK competitive calendar. Welcoming so many old and future friends to the Island is what makes this weekend so special.
“We expect high quality competition, but against a backdrop of fun and colourful camaraderie. This is why ARC loves being involved as sponsor – as a business targeting high performance and positive outcomes for our clients, we know that it comes from hard work – but, we also know that it comes more easily when you can enjoy the journey.”
